What's the approximate cost to do an engine swap. (no upgrade to 3.5L or anything). I just want to know the # of hours or total labor cost.

 

Last year I got a complete 3.0 VQ from a '97 for $550 and paid about $1300 total at a shop for labor/parts to do the swap.

 

Labor could be anywhere from $500-$1000. Closer to the $1000 mark though

 

i think tilley does the whole job including sourcing motor for 2500 or so.....buy i could be wrong....check all motor....they might a lil more info

 

I did a direct bolt-on swap of VQ30 last year. Labor was $750. The engine cost me more because I chose one with less than 20K miles.

 

labor won't cost you if you know what you are doing. Also get a friend with an engine lift and a lot of tool and knowledge about all the wiring and vacume tubes too. First look for an engine with low mileage and then think about how you are going to do it. Look around your area and get price quotes from them. Make sure there is no hidden charges too.

 

I agree with darklegend. I have a perfect running 97SE and a non running 93 5 speed SE. I will be attempting to swap the engine in the 93 in about 2-3 weeks. I've done tons of research and I'm confident I'll get it done CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME. As a consolation know that my mechanical skills are also very poor,however I do bel. that research and planning is the key! Also, get a friend or 2 that has a genuine interest in this kinda stuff. Purchase a Factory Service Manual (FSM) for it's a indispensable guide and you can get one from EBay for less than $20.00 (CD). Good luck

 

Find a friend a do it.

I just got a DEK motor from a 00' with 8,557 miles Carfax and ESN # checked for legit (pics to come) and I will be taking everything off my motor,(I/M, blower, radiator, battery, misc harness stuff) then having it towed up my macanic. He will take the trans out, motor out, and put the DEK in, New Clutch In, and the Trans Back on. I will then have the car towed back to my house to finish the job. Hes charging me $200, $100 out, $100 in. The most expensive part is the Clutch, ES Motor Mounts, New Alternator, Shorty headers.

Its just going to feel great to have such a fresh motor in the car. 8,500 miles is like brand new. I will be using the 4th gen lower intake manifold, larger injectors, and the upper 00VI.

-matt

 

I don't have any friends with enough knowledge to do this. I'll be taking it to a shop to do the work. The motor I plan to get from a local salvage yard or car-part.com